Why Is It So Useful? During COVID-19 Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement

When you lock your french doors, you want to ensure that they're secure. You can do this by selecting a lock that will secure your door without obstructing airflow and affecting the aesthetic look of your space.

French door locks typically have a three-point locking system, which includes flush bolts on the upper and lower edges of each door panel as well as a lockset for the door that can be opened. This system is difficult to penetrate.


How to fix a French Door That Won't Lock

It could be a major safety risk when doors don't lock or latch properly. It could also be a sign of a serious problem such as a cracked locking cylinder. Don't worry it is possible to fix the issue with just a few steps.

The reason a door won't latch is usually due to an obstruction that is blocking it. This can be something like a small piece of dirt that is stuck in the lock, or it could be a problem with the latch itself.

You can check whether this is the case by examining the strike plate (the metal piece that sits against the frame on the side of the door). If you see a tiny metal tab protruding from the strike plate, tap it gently using a screwdriver and hammer to bend it slightly to open the hole in the plate, allowing the bolt can drop into the door more easily.

A seized latch is usually due to poor alignment or improper installation. Lubricating the latch can help it function better, but it will not solve the issue of the way it lines up with the strike plate.

Installing the strike plate is easy if you don't already have one. It is necessary to remove the lock body from the door (the part that attaches to the frame of the door) and replace the complete lock assembly with a new one. This is a simple job that requires a Phillips head screwdriver as well as a power drill.

To ensure that the lock functions as efficiently as possible it is a great practice to lubricate it frequently, particularly the cylinder. Use a silicone or graphite lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant onto the key, then rotate it several times slowly until the cylinder can move freely.

A double-cylinder deadbolt is better than a standard deadbolt when it is used on French doors. A handle twist lock will not be enough to deter intruders, and a standard door deadbolt that has a thumb turn can be defeated if you break the glass.

Fixing a French Door that won't latch

The issue is usually caused by the latch of the door not connecting properly with the hole of the strike plate. This is usually due to sagging hinges, but it could also be a problem with the location of the latch or the latch itself. You can use lipstick, or a similar marker, to determine the cause. The position of the mark will help you to understand where the problem is For instance, if it contacts below the strike plate hole, then hinges could be the probable cause, but If it's above, the latch's position could be the reason.

When installing repairmywindowsanddoors or the new lock mechanism on an external French Door it's important that the strike plate and latch holes are aligned correctly. This is especially true if one door has been closed for a prolonged period of time. In this time the door might have moved a little. This is most common for composite and timber doors, because they are prone to expansion or contraction based on the weather or environment.

To fix this issue, remove the lock latch at the edge of the active door and then remove it from the handle. Then with a chisel that is sharp and hammer, enlarge the strike plate hole on the door frame. This will allow you to put the latch in a more suitable position for the door. When the door is shut, it will close without catching on the frame.

After the hole for the latch has been enlarged, carefully place the new latch into the strike plate hole and screw it in. Then, adjust the strike plate with the screw, hammer and nut until it is in the proper position. Test the door. Make any necessary adjustments.

The lock cylinder on external French Doors will not turn. This could be due to dirt or wear and tear, however it is usually easy to resolve. The lock could be blocked or the pins of the cylinder wear. A simple clean can make a huge difference to the operation of the mechanism, so it's well worth giving this a try. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.

How to fix a French door that isn't opening

If your French door doesn't lock due to dirt or debris, it is likely that the lock mechanism is obstructed. The first thing to do is to check that the frame of the door is free of obstructions and that nothing is blocking the mechanism that locks. There could also be a problem with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This can cause the door to sway on the frame and eventually lead to jamming.

The mechanism of the lock is fairly simple. The key rotates a spindle, which then moves a bolt back and forth on rail. If the handle is turning but the bolt isn't moving it means that something is stuck. There could be an issue with the mechanism of the lock, or it could just need lubricating. Make use of a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle can be used to direct the lubricant directly into the mechanism. Spray liberally and then turn the handle to make sure that all components of the lock mechanism are fully lubricated.

It is also possible to adjust where the latch is located on the French door. It is generally possible to do this from the outside. If you're French doors are new and brand new, you'll be able to screw the latch and handle into place without difficulty. If your French doors are older, you will need to use the templates that comes with the lock kit to mark the locations where the holes for the handle on the door and latch on the frame must be. Then, drill the hole for the handle/knob at the right height (commonly about 36 inches from the floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the door's edge to install the latch.

After the hole has been drilled It is crucial to check that the latch plate fits correctly over the strike plate on the door frame. If this doesn't fit, then the deadbolt may not retract into the strike plate when you press the lock lever. The latch plate will have to be screwed in the correct position.

Repairing a French Door That Won't Close

The latch on the latch on a French Door may become stuck and can't be closed. This can render the doors inoperable. This is usually a simple issue to resolve, but it could require the removal of one of the heavy doors. The most common cause is that the latch is not aligned or with the strike plate, or with the jamb on the door, or both. The dead bolt might not be fully extended or retractable. It is possible to have misalignment in the course of time due to weather or settling.

If the latch is stuck, it may be difficult to open, however it's generally easy to solve the issue by loosening the screws that secure the hinge to the frame and then putting in some shims to make the door a bit higher or lower. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism and solve the issue.

In the same way, if the latch isn't able to get into the strike plate hole on the door jamb it is usually possible to fix it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate, and using an electric or metal planer to remove a portion of the edge of the plate until the latch is able to fit. This could also mean removing the strike plate and chiseling out the hole to make it larger in the event that it is necessary.

Another common issue with French doors is that the locks do not engage correctly. If you have a newer lock system, this could indicate a problem with the cylinder that locks. If the lock is not working properly, you'll have to remove it and check for obvious damage.

If you have an older door that has a draught entering, you can replace the weatherstripping on the outside of the door. This will give a secure seal and help prevent the doors from sticking or locking improperly. You can also install door sweeps to ensure that all the possible gaps are closed. Install the sweeps on top and bottom of the door.